Summer and fall are popular times for vacation and travel. This period is also a potent force in the emergence of infectious diseases.

But depending on the destination, there are measures you can take to prevent infection. 2018 thus far has brought into the spotlight some new travel-related infectious diseases. Following are highlights of some recent outbreaks, and what health measures have been taken as a result:

Nipah Virus

RNA virus endemic in the Asia-Pacific region.

Primary animal reservoirs are bats and pigs.

Symptoms are initially nonspecific characterized by fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting. In approximately 60 percent of patients there is rapid progression of disease causing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) with altered mental status and seizures. Acute respiratory distress syndrome can also occur.

Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. No antiviral therapies have been proven to be effective as treatment or vaccination yet.

Outbreak in May 2018 in Kerala, India, resulted in at least 16 deaths. It is believed this began when people drew water from a bat-infested well. Most cases occurred in family members or health-care workers caring for individuals with infection who were acutely symptomatic with high fever, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.

The W.H.O. is considering Nipah Virus disease a local occurrence limited to two districts in Kerala. Based on the available data, there are currently no travel or trade restrictions.

Ebola

In May 2018 there was a new Ebola outbreak declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is the country’s ninth Ebola outbreak.

All but one outbreak was caused by the Zaire strain of the virus.

Ring vaccination using an investigational recombinant vaccine was implemented during this outbreak. A vaccination trial in 2015 found the vaccine to be highly effective against Ebola. The vaccine has been administered to contacts of confirmed cases, contacts of contacts, healthcare workers, and front line workers.

Exit screening at airports and ports on the Congo river are maintained.

MERS-CoV

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Dromedary camels and bats are the primary animal reservoirs.

Symptoms are fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath.

Between January and May 2018 there were 75 confirmed cases, including 23 deaths in Saudi Arabia.

People especially at risk for infection are those older than 65, with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, weak immune system, cancer, children younger than 12, and pregnant women.

There are currently no travel or trade restrictions due to MERS-CoV.

There has only been two cases of this infection in the U.S.; both patients were healthcare providers who traveled to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia.

Yellow Fever

Caused by a virus endemic in sub Saharan Africa and tropical regions of South America.

Since December 2016 there is an ongoing outbreak in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Ten travel-related cases have been reported in international travelers who were not vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best protection against infection. Currently there is a national shortage of the U.S.-licensed yellow fever vaccine. A limited number of clinics are offering an equally safe and alternative vaccine, Stamaril. The CBC website has a list of locations.

The CDC recommends that people who are not able to get the yellow fever vaccine should avoid traveling to affected areas of Brazil.

It is important to know which, if any, infectious disease outbreaks are taking place in the area you may be traveling to. As this is ever-changing the CDC website conveniently provides up-to-date information and recommendations for travel. Remember vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases so behavioral measures are also important while traveling. Primarily — eat and drink safely, prevent bug bites, avoid sharing body fluids, keep away from animals, and frequent hand washing. If you feel sick or feverish after your trip be sure to see an infectious disease specialist.

The Hillsborough-based ID CARE is the largest enterprise in New Jersey dedicated to the identification, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases.

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